The inky colored 2016 Dead Horse (91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot) comes all from Red Mountain and it has the more savory, mineral-style of that terroir front and center. Cassis, toasted spice, dried earth, and lead pencil notes all flow to a full-bodied, concentrated, yet elegant Cabernet Sauvignon that does everything right. Even with the Red Mountain structure, it has plenty of upfront charm, which is common from this great vintage. Ideally, it will be given 2-3 years of bottle age and will keep for two decades.

The 2016 Dead Horse Ciel du Cheval Vineyard is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. It jumps from the glass with classic Cabernet aromas of blackberry, crème de cassis and soft savory spices with a beautiful dusty essence of crushed rock. With a clear focus on quality and balance, the complexity lingers with depth on the full-bodied palate, showing a structured wine. Ending with a long, dusty finish, the minerality and freshness of fruit combine with oak tones so the drinker may experience the power and elegance of this wine. Count me as a fan. - Anthony Mueller

Polished and well-knit, featuring a sleek backbone of lively tannins and acidity, layered with bright black cherry, mocha and toasted spice flavors that build richness toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2028. 2,500 cases made. — TF